Assault rifle baseline
Start with a controllable assault rifle, a close-range secondary, and equipment that helps you re-enter an objective. Replace “best” with the range and mode you are actually playing.
Close-range pressure
For compact maps and aggressive entries, prioritize sprint-to-fire, movement recovery, and a backup that does not punish a missed first burst.
Warzone and DMZ
Warzone and DMZ loadouts need separate recommendations because loot, extraction risk, and engagement distance change the value of every attachment.
How we rank a build
Every recommended build will show its patch, test conditions, alternatives, and the tradeoff it makes.
Archive references
Read the underlying notes
These related MW4 pages carry the source detail behind this summary.
IGN guideApex Attachments ExplainedWhile you can still expect the usual weapon tinkering that is present in all modern Call of Duty entries, Modern Warfare 4’s newest weapon attachment type, Apex Attachments, add a whole new dimension to what’s possible for your loadouts in some very game-changing ways. Here's everything you need to know about Apex Attachments in Call of Duty: MW4, includi...IGN guideBest ISO Nightshade Loadout And BuildThe ISO Nightshade SMG is arguably one of the best weapons in the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta, and one of the few meta weapons available. Not only is this SMG incredibly powerful, but it's also available immediately so you can work towards unlocking its best attachments straight from the start, making it a viable early-game weapon.IGN guideBest M4 Loadout And BuildThe M4 Assault Rifle is arguably considered the best weapon in the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta. Not only is the M4 Assault Rifle powerful, but it also performs well in almost any situation, whether you're up against the ISO Nightshade in close quarters or long range against a Sniper or Marksman Rifle.